A Christian Perspective on Governance and Accountability
When President Javier Milei was elected, many of us watching from a Christian, liberty-minded perspective knew what lay ahead: a battle not just against inflation or bureaucracy, but against an entire centralized system that, on paper, the people of Argentina seem to prefer.
As a Canadian Christian who often writes about transfer payments—where productive citizens are forced to finance the lifestyles of those dependent on the welfare state—I couldn’t help but draw a comparison. In both Canada and Argentina, federalism often becomes a tool to redistribute wealth from the responsible to the irresponsible, not unlike the biblical parable where the faithful servant is punished, and the unfaithful one is rewarded.
Argentina’s Federalism vs. The United States
On paper, Argentina is a federal republic, like the U.S. However, in practice, it operates much more like a centralized system, closer to Canada or even pre-modern European monarchies.
How Argentina Differs from the United States
| Category | Argentina | United States |
| Federal Revenue | Central government collects and redistributes funds | States collect substantial independent revenue |
| State/Province Power | Provinces are fiscally dependent on national government | States have significant autonomy in law, tax, education |
| Legal System | More centralized influence over judiciary | Independent state court systems |
| Executive Power | Strong central executive often dominates politics | Checks and balances limit presidential overreach |
| Policy Experimentation | Limited in provinces due to fiscal constraints | States often pilot new policies |
Argentina’s provinces may appear to have rights, but most are dependent on federal transfer payments (known as coparticipación), making genuine decentralization difficult. This creates a culture where citizens are dependent on the state—a structure that does not easily align with biblical values of stewardship, accountability, and personal responsibility.
Argentina vs. Switzerland: A Study in Decentralization
We’ve long admired Switzerland’s federal model on this blog for its embrace of decentralization, liberty, and self-governance. Let’s take a look at how Argentina compares:
| Category | Argentina | Switzerland |
| Centralization | High — provinces are dependent on the central gov’t | Low — cantons are highly autonomous |
| Citizen Involvement | Representative democracy only | Strong direct democracy at all levels |
| Executive Power | Strong presidential system | Collective executive council |
| Local Taxation | Centralized tax system | Cantons raise their own taxes |
| Language & Culture | Primarily Spanish-speaking, centralized culture | Multilingual, culturally diverse by canton |
Summary:
- Argentina: Federal in name but centralized in function.
- Switzerland: Truly decentralized, empowering individuals and communities.
- United States: A federal balance that still allows for strong state rights and experimentation.
Buenos Aires: Argentina’s Washington, D.C. — But With More Power
Buenos Aires, formally known as Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CABA), functions like an independent federal district. However, unlike Washington, D.C., Buenos Aires is far more powerful—economically and politically.
Why Is Buenos Aires Autonomous?
- 1994 Constitutional Reform: Gave the city self-governance. The President no longer appoints the mayor—voters do.
- Not Part of Buenos Aires Province: The city and province are separate entities with separate governments, laws, and tax systems.
How Autonomy Shapes Argentina’s Economy
- Economic Dominance: Though it occupies less than 1% of the country’s landmass, Buenos Aires contributes 25–30% of national GDP. It hosts major banks, corporate HQs, the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange, and Argentina’s most important infrastructure.
- Tax Independence: The city collects its own taxes, unlike most provinces that rely on federal funding. This gives Buenos Aires unmatched fiscal power.
- Investment Magnet: With flexible policies in tech, education, and transit, Buenos Aires attracts innovation—but this can widen the urban-rural divide.
Cultural and Political Tensions
- Cultural Identity: Often referred to as the “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires blends European architecture, opera, café culture, and intellectualism.
- Urban vs. Rural Divide: The rest of Argentina often views Buenos Aires as elitist and out of touch with everyday struggles—creating resentment and instability.
- Political Overreach: Even as an autonomous district, Buenos Aires casts a long shadow over national politics. Many provinces feel dominated rather than represented.
President Javier Milei: A Christian Perspective on Leadership
President Milei recently pledged to increase social spending—a move that surprised some of his libertarian base. While he’s trying to balance fiscal responsibility with compassion, he faces immense pressure from entrenched welfare interests and the centralized system itself.
Argentina’s federal dependency, especially among provinces hooked on coparticipación transfers, makes reform painful and politically risky.
A Word to Christians
As Christians, we are not called to idolize politicians, no matter how courageous they may be. We must understand that the Kingdom of God is not built by central planners, but by men and women of faith, personal responsibility, and conviction.
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” – Hosea 4:6
When we abandon the Word of God, we embrace systems that suppress truth and promote dependence. Censorship, tyranny, and moral decay are the fruits of governance without Christ.
In a world where Christian voices like Charlie Kirk are attacked, even martyred for speaking truth, we must ask: Would Jesus Christ be accepted today, or would He be canceled too? The answer is clear—and deeply sobering.
The Way Forward
Argentina’s system will only truly change when its people seek liberty through Christ, not government. Reforms like Milei’s may buy time, but lasting transformation comes from repentance and renewal of the heart.
Remember:
- Freedom is a Christian concept. Other worldviews reject it.
- Property rights, free speech, and family values flow from the Gospel, not the government.
- Every Christian should pray, vote, and work to **build the Kingdom of God**, not the kingdoms of men.
In Closing
I continue to pray for Argentina. I admire President Milei’s efforts, but he cannot fix a spiritual problem with political tools. Until Argentina embraces Christ as King, every economic solution will eventually meet resistance.
“The government shall be upon His shoulders…” – Isaiah 9:6
Consider making Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior today.